Imagine Raising John the Baptist

Rosemary Bogdan wonders if John the Baptist's childhood may have revealed some hints of God's plan, and how all mothers might take heart from the thought.

Today, June 24, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity (Birth) of John the Baptist. Jesus considered John the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11) and John is the only saint whose birth and death are both celebrated as Solemnities, the highest feasts in the Catholic Church. 

No Ordinary Child  

His conception to two holy people who were long past their childbearing years was astonishing. John recognized the presence of Jesus while in utero, even leaping for joy while his mother uttered the supernaturally inspired words to Mary, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me?” (Luke 1:43) 

Everything about John the Baptist from his conception to his death reflected the presence and power of the Holy Spirit 

From the introduction to the Solemnity in Magnificat (6/24/2025) we read: 

Every part of his life manifested a unique calling and purpose. His conception was a miracle, he was sanctified in the womb at the Visitation, and he preached the repentance that was necessary to prepare for Christ. Unflinching in proclaiming the truth about Herod’s unlawful marriage, John the Baptist died a martyr and anticipated Christ’s saving death on the cross.

What was it like to raise such a child? His parents knew God had a plan for his life. The Archangel Gabriel had named him. His father Zechariah prophesied right after John’s birth with the words: 

“And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:76-77)

How could a parent approach the loving and rearing of a child so clearly sent by God Himself? 

A Great Prophet at Play 

Clearly, Elizabeth and Zechariah were given abundant grace for the task that lay before them. But what about the nuts and bolts of it?  Often, in retrospect, parents do see hints in their young children of the path along which God may be leading them. Was there any foreshadowing in the toddler John of the work he would eventually undertake? We can only imagine, because Scripture gives us no details. Did Elizabeth ever say, “John, there’s water all over the floor. Stop playing with that water!” Was he ever seen pouring water over his toys? 

Was he good at catching crickets? Did Elizabeth ever say, “John, leave the crickets alone! And they are not for eating!!” 

Toddler meltdowns are not sins. Any saint could have indulged in one. Could the little boy ever be heard saying to his parents, “Repent!” Might Zechariah and Elizabeth be smiling or even chuckling, knowing, at least in outline form, the path his life was to take.  

 If his friends were being selfish or unfair, did the young John ever rebuke them with the exclamation, “Repent!”? The sense of righteousness and courage may well have been part of his character even when very young. 

God Has a Plan 

What can we learn from thinking about what the young John the Baptist may have done or said? Rare is the child who does nothing unusual, who does not occasionally leave his mother scratching her head. Why is he doing that? What is motivating him? 

God has a plan for every child. Every temperament can be used for God’s glory.  

Do you have a strong-willed child? Surely John the Baptist was one. Do you have a child that seems so fearless that you worry about his safety? Elizabeth probably experienced the same fear. 

Your child who might be a great challenge in many ways may be used by God because of his courage and righteousness. Perhaps he will be the one who will publicly and courageously call others to repentance. 

Take heart. Children are still very much in formation. God is not finished with them yet.  

The most challenging young child could be headed for great sainthood. God’s plans are often mysterious. And they are always good. 

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Copyright 2025 Rosemary Bogdan
Images: Canva